2022 Kia Niro: Bold New Looks, Powertrains & Everything Else We Know

The Niro has been a relative success for Kia. Sure, it isn’t the most inspiring looking thing in the world, but it does offer affordable motoring for those seeking a compact SUV with EV aspirations.

While it only recently received a refresh for 2020, an all-new version, codenamed SG2, is well under development. Promising funky new looks and a myriad of new tech, we’ve lifted the covers early via a spy-shot-based illustrative preview before its official reveal later this year.

A Hint Of HabaNiro

Remember the Kia HabaNiro concept that debuted at the 2019 New York International Auto Show? It offered a glimpse of Kia’s future design direction with stunning looks, butterfly doors and contrasting red elements wrapped up in an electrified, off-road package.

Illustrations Copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Naturally, the new Niro will look like the concept, right? Err, pause on that. Sure, some aspects have filtered through to production (cue the reinterpreted tiger-nose grille and boomerang-shaped LED taillights), yet, most (if not all) of the concept’s stunning vibe has been lost in translation.

It’s not all bad, however. You’ll find the new Niro is a far more exciting bit of kit than the outgoing car ever was. It features striking design elements such as the bold front-end with its claw-like daylight running lamps, angular C-pillar design and lower cladding treatment.

Under the skin

The cabin will benefit from a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, providing passengers with additional room. Elsewhere, the Niro will be a stylish affair with higher quality materials and an emphasis on infotainment and connectivity.

Expect a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with blind-view monitors that show adjacent lanes when turn signals are activated. It should also feature adaptive cruise control, a large infotainment screen running Kia’s latest Uvo infotainment platform featuring haptic feedback, and cloud-based navigation with real-time maps and information.

Silent Performance

While yet to be confirmed, Kia may again offer the Niro in full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric variants. For reference, the current e-Niro uses a 64 kWh battery pack and a 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor for a range of 282 miles (455km) under the WLTP cycle. We anticipate this to increase beyond 300 miles via improvements to battery capacity and cell design.

A high-performing, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option could also be on the cards. Borrowed from the larger Sorento PHEV, the powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, a 66.9-kW motor, and an 8-kWh battery for a total system output of 261 hp (194.6 kW) fed to all four wheels.

Rivals and Reveal

Perhaps the Niro’s closest key rival is the semi-related Hyundai Kona (it too offers an electric variant). Other competitors include Chevrolet’s Bolt, the Volkswagen ID.3 and, depending on the market, the Peugeot 3008, Toyota C-HR and Nissan Qashqai/Rogue Sport too.

We anticipate an official debut to take place later this year as an MY2022 entrant. Pricing is likely to increase as a result of added features and better specifications.

Would the new Niro be on your shopping list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.